Book of Numbers: Census Taken Toward Promised Land
by Owen Borville
July 31, 2020
Bible
In the Book of Numbers, (1445-1407 B.C.) God commanded for two censuses of the Israelite people to be taken as the Israelites moved from Mount Sinai through the wilderness toward the Promised Land in Canaan. Just over 600,000 military-men were counted (Levites, women, and children not counted). The censuses were taken in order to fairly divide out the newly acquired land among the tribes of Israel. The total population of the Israelites wandering in the wilderness was about 2.5 million.
The Census and the Tribes of Israel: Numbers 1
Israelite Tribal Camp Arrangement: Numbers 2
The Levites Duties of the Tabernacle: Numbers 3
Further Instructions and Census for the Levites: Numbers 4
Purity of the Israelite Camp: Numbers 5
The Nazirite Vow and Priestly Blessing: Numbers 6
Offerings at Dedication of Tabernacle: Numbers 7
Setting Up Lamps and Setting Apart Levites: Numbers 8
The Passover Celebration Purification and the Cloud of God Guidance: Numbers 9
Silver Trumpets Warn Israelites, Israelites Leave Sinai: Numbers 10
Fire of God for Complaining, Quail Plague: Numbers 11
Miriam, Aaron Oppose Moses' Wife: Numbers 12
In Numbers 12, Miriam and Aaron, Moses's sister and brother, challenged Moses' leadership, and God punished Miriam with leprosy. Aaron would be punished later.
Israelite Men Sent to Explore Canaan and the Report Back to Israel and Moses: Numbers 13
Men gave false report and were punished except Joshua and Caleb.
As the Israelites wandered in the wilderness, they were reluctant to take the land in Canaan that God instructed them to do. Moses sent 12 spies to Canaan, but only two (Joshua and Caleb) reported good things as the other ten were afraid of the giant people there. Therefore, the Israelites were punished and had to wander 40 years until the next generation of Israelites were faithful enough to follow God's instructions.
The Israelites Rebel: Numbers 14
As the Israelites grumbled and complained about their situation in the wilderness, God wanted to punish the Israelites but Moses convinced God not to punish the Israelites by explaining that the Egyptians would say that God could not get Israel into the Promised land. Numbers 14.
Supplementary Food Offerings, Sabbath Breaker Put to Death, Tassels on Garments: Numbers 15
Korah Leads a Rebellion Against Moses, Fell into Earth, Plague: Numbers 16
Korah, an Israelite, led a rebellion against Moses and Aaron but Korah and his followers were punished during an earthquake when they fell into the earth (Numbers 16).
Aaron's Budding Staff Confirms His Authority: Numbers 17
Aaron Confirmed as Head of Levite Tribe
Duties and Offerings of Priests and Levites: Numbers 18
The Water of Cleansing: Numbers 19
Water From the Rock, Edom Denies Israel Passage, Death of Aaron at Mt. Hor: Numbers 20
Israelites arrived at the Desert of Zin and there Miriam died-Aaron and Moses' sister (Numbers 20:1).
In Numbers 20:11, Moses struck a rock and water came out, enough for the Israelites and their livestock.
Moses' Greatest Mistake
Moses was forbidden to enter the Promised Land because he didn't fully honor God at the Waters of Meribah (Numbers 20) when the Israelites complained for lack of water and God supplied water through a rock. Specifically, in Numbers 20:12, God says "Ye believed me not."
And the Lord spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them. Numbers 20:12.
Edom and the Edomites refused the safe passage of the Israelites to the Promised Land, and therefore the Israelites traveled east and north to avoid Edom and reach the plains of Moab.
Aaron passed away at Mount Hor, as God reminds of Aaron's rebellion at the waters of Meribah and that he would not enter the Promised Land.
Arad Defeated by Israel, Snake Plague and Bronze Snake, Journey to Moab, Defeat of Sihon and Og: Numbers 21
The Israelites were bitten by "fiery serpents" or snakes because of their disobedience, but God instructed Moses to make a bronze snake and put it on a pole so that anyone that looked at it would live (Numbers 21).
Balak Summons Balaam to Curse Israelites, Balaam's Donkey: Numbers 22
After the Israelites defeat a series of Kings, including Sihon and Og, Balak, King of Moab becomes concerned and tries to figure a way to stop Israel. Balak sends Balaam, the prophet to curse the Israelites. King Balak of Moab offered Balaam money to curse the Israelites. The Lord originally tells Balaam not to go, then allows him to go. However, the Lord does not allow Balaam to curse the Israelites and only allows him to say good things about Israel. Balaam goes with the Moabite officials on his donkey, but as he was going, an angel of the Lord blocked Balaam and his donkey stopped. Balaam beat his donkey until the donkey began questioning his beating. Then Balaam's eyes were opened and finally saw the angel of the Lord in front of him and apologised. The angel instructs Balaam to "go with the men but only speak what I tell you." Numbers 22:35. The "greed of Balaam" is also mentioned in Numbers 31:16, 2 Peter 2:15, and Revelation 2:14.
Balaam's Messages to Balak: Numbers 23
The prophet Balaam's messages to Balak, King of Moab
Balaam's Messages and Prophecies to Balak: Numbers 24
Balaam's continued messages and prophecies to Balak. In Numbers 23-24, Balaam gives a series of prophecies about Israel, particularly the unique exaltation of Israel, virtue, and glory. Balaam predicts that a future Israel King would defeat Edom and Moab. Instead of cursing Israel, Balaam gives a series of prophecies blessing Israel. Balak became angry and frustrated and went home.
Moab Seduced Israel With Women and Idols, Plague, Phinehas' Zealousness: Numbers 25
Moab seduced Israelites with women and idols, and a plague occurred among the Israelites. Phinehas, grandson of Aaron, slayed an Israelite man and Midianite woman caught in sin.
Balaam also assisted in tempting the Israelites into sin as they were about to enter Canaan in the Peor incident (Numbers 25, Numbers 31:16)
The Second Census of Israelites Was Taken: Numbers 26
Second Census of Men Over 20 years of Age: 601,730, Male Levites: 23,000.
63 These are they that were numbered by Moses and Eleazar the priest, who numbered the children of Israel in the plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho. 64 But among these there was not a man of them whom Moses and Aaron the priest numbered, when they numbered the children of Israel in the wilderness of Sinai. 65 For the Lord had said of them, They shall surely die in the wilderness. And there was not left a man of them, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun. Numbers 26:63-65 KJV.
Zelophehad's Daughters' (descendants of Joseph) Inheritance Numbers 27
Joshua Anointed to Succeed Moses as Leader: Numbers 27.
Moses Denied Entry to Promised Land: Numbers 27:12-14.
Daily, Sabbath, Monthly Offerings, Passover Regulations, Festival of Weeks: Numbers 28
Festival of Trumpets, Day of Atonement, Festival of Tabernacles: Numbers 29
Vows in Marriage and Family Regulations: Numbers 30
Vengeance on the Midianites, Dividing the Spoils: Numbers 31
Israelites revenge against the Midianites (Numbers 25)
Reuben, Gad, Half-Tribe of Manasseh Takes Land East of Jordan River: Numbers 32
Reuben, Gad, and half-tribe of Manasseh prefer land east of the Jordan River
Stages in Israel's Exodus to Canaan: Numbers 33
Towns and stops along the route from Egypt to Canaan
Boundaries of Canaan: Numbers 34
The boundaries of Canaan that the Lord gave to the Israelites.
Towns for Levites, Cities of Refuge for Murders: Numbers 35
Inheritance for Zelophehad's Daughters (Descendants of Joseph): Numbers 36
After the new generation of Israelites travel through the Desert of Paran and approach the land in Canaan, lots are assigned and divided and based on the tribes of Israelites.
The distance travelled from Mount Sinai to the Jordan River on the border of Canaan was only about 220 miles, but this journey took 40 years because of the Israelites "grumbling" and lack of faith in God and Moses.
Only Moses, Joshua, and Caleb would make the journey from Egypt to the Jordan River as the only members of the first generation that did not pass away. Only Joshua and Caleb would enter the Promised Land in Canaan. Moses would not enter the Promised Land.
Significance of the Book of Numbers
There are so many lessons to learn from the Book of Numbers. These lessons include trusting in God when things don't seem to be going well. God had greater things in store for Israel including a better life in a better land if only they would trust God and Moses in the wilderness. Instead, Israel was postponed 40 years until they were allowed to enter the Promised Land in Canaan. Many people today are "In the Wilderness" and are not sure of where they are going. If only they would trust God, they will be blessed and reach their destination much faster. God also promised to give the Israelites their Promised Land, and despite their disobedience, God fulfilled his promise.
by Owen Borville
July 31, 2020
Bible
In the Book of Numbers, (1445-1407 B.C.) God commanded for two censuses of the Israelite people to be taken as the Israelites moved from Mount Sinai through the wilderness toward the Promised Land in Canaan. Just over 600,000 military-men were counted (Levites, women, and children not counted). The censuses were taken in order to fairly divide out the newly acquired land among the tribes of Israel. The total population of the Israelites wandering in the wilderness was about 2.5 million.
The Census and the Tribes of Israel: Numbers 1
Israelite Tribal Camp Arrangement: Numbers 2
The Levites Duties of the Tabernacle: Numbers 3
Further Instructions and Census for the Levites: Numbers 4
Purity of the Israelite Camp: Numbers 5
The Nazirite Vow and Priestly Blessing: Numbers 6
Offerings at Dedication of Tabernacle: Numbers 7
Setting Up Lamps and Setting Apart Levites: Numbers 8
The Passover Celebration Purification and the Cloud of God Guidance: Numbers 9
Silver Trumpets Warn Israelites, Israelites Leave Sinai: Numbers 10
Fire of God for Complaining, Quail Plague: Numbers 11
Miriam, Aaron Oppose Moses' Wife: Numbers 12
In Numbers 12, Miriam and Aaron, Moses's sister and brother, challenged Moses' leadership, and God punished Miriam with leprosy. Aaron would be punished later.
Israelite Men Sent to Explore Canaan and the Report Back to Israel and Moses: Numbers 13
Men gave false report and were punished except Joshua and Caleb.
As the Israelites wandered in the wilderness, they were reluctant to take the land in Canaan that God instructed them to do. Moses sent 12 spies to Canaan, but only two (Joshua and Caleb) reported good things as the other ten were afraid of the giant people there. Therefore, the Israelites were punished and had to wander 40 years until the next generation of Israelites were faithful enough to follow God's instructions.
The Israelites Rebel: Numbers 14
As the Israelites grumbled and complained about their situation in the wilderness, God wanted to punish the Israelites but Moses convinced God not to punish the Israelites by explaining that the Egyptians would say that God could not get Israel into the Promised land. Numbers 14.
Supplementary Food Offerings, Sabbath Breaker Put to Death, Tassels on Garments: Numbers 15
Korah Leads a Rebellion Against Moses, Fell into Earth, Plague: Numbers 16
Korah, an Israelite, led a rebellion against Moses and Aaron but Korah and his followers were punished during an earthquake when they fell into the earth (Numbers 16).
Aaron's Budding Staff Confirms His Authority: Numbers 17
Aaron Confirmed as Head of Levite Tribe
Duties and Offerings of Priests and Levites: Numbers 18
The Water of Cleansing: Numbers 19
Water From the Rock, Edom Denies Israel Passage, Death of Aaron at Mt. Hor: Numbers 20
Israelites arrived at the Desert of Zin and there Miriam died-Aaron and Moses' sister (Numbers 20:1).
In Numbers 20:11, Moses struck a rock and water came out, enough for the Israelites and their livestock.
Moses' Greatest Mistake
Moses was forbidden to enter the Promised Land because he didn't fully honor God at the Waters of Meribah (Numbers 20) when the Israelites complained for lack of water and God supplied water through a rock. Specifically, in Numbers 20:12, God says "Ye believed me not."
And the Lord spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them. Numbers 20:12.
Edom and the Edomites refused the safe passage of the Israelites to the Promised Land, and therefore the Israelites traveled east and north to avoid Edom and reach the plains of Moab.
Aaron passed away at Mount Hor, as God reminds of Aaron's rebellion at the waters of Meribah and that he would not enter the Promised Land.
Arad Defeated by Israel, Snake Plague and Bronze Snake, Journey to Moab, Defeat of Sihon and Og: Numbers 21
The Israelites were bitten by "fiery serpents" or snakes because of their disobedience, but God instructed Moses to make a bronze snake and put it on a pole so that anyone that looked at it would live (Numbers 21).
Balak Summons Balaam to Curse Israelites, Balaam's Donkey: Numbers 22
After the Israelites defeat a series of Kings, including Sihon and Og, Balak, King of Moab becomes concerned and tries to figure a way to stop Israel. Balak sends Balaam, the prophet to curse the Israelites. King Balak of Moab offered Balaam money to curse the Israelites. The Lord originally tells Balaam not to go, then allows him to go. However, the Lord does not allow Balaam to curse the Israelites and only allows him to say good things about Israel. Balaam goes with the Moabite officials on his donkey, but as he was going, an angel of the Lord blocked Balaam and his donkey stopped. Balaam beat his donkey until the donkey began questioning his beating. Then Balaam's eyes were opened and finally saw the angel of the Lord in front of him and apologised. The angel instructs Balaam to "go with the men but only speak what I tell you." Numbers 22:35. The "greed of Balaam" is also mentioned in Numbers 31:16, 2 Peter 2:15, and Revelation 2:14.
Balaam's Messages to Balak: Numbers 23
The prophet Balaam's messages to Balak, King of Moab
Balaam's Messages and Prophecies to Balak: Numbers 24
Balaam's continued messages and prophecies to Balak. In Numbers 23-24, Balaam gives a series of prophecies about Israel, particularly the unique exaltation of Israel, virtue, and glory. Balaam predicts that a future Israel King would defeat Edom and Moab. Instead of cursing Israel, Balaam gives a series of prophecies blessing Israel. Balak became angry and frustrated and went home.
Moab Seduced Israel With Women and Idols, Plague, Phinehas' Zealousness: Numbers 25
Moab seduced Israelites with women and idols, and a plague occurred among the Israelites. Phinehas, grandson of Aaron, slayed an Israelite man and Midianite woman caught in sin.
Balaam also assisted in tempting the Israelites into sin as they were about to enter Canaan in the Peor incident (Numbers 25, Numbers 31:16)
The Second Census of Israelites Was Taken: Numbers 26
Second Census of Men Over 20 years of Age: 601,730, Male Levites: 23,000.
63 These are they that were numbered by Moses and Eleazar the priest, who numbered the children of Israel in the plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho. 64 But among these there was not a man of them whom Moses and Aaron the priest numbered, when they numbered the children of Israel in the wilderness of Sinai. 65 For the Lord had said of them, They shall surely die in the wilderness. And there was not left a man of them, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun. Numbers 26:63-65 KJV.
Zelophehad's Daughters' (descendants of Joseph) Inheritance Numbers 27
Joshua Anointed to Succeed Moses as Leader: Numbers 27.
Moses Denied Entry to Promised Land: Numbers 27:12-14.
Daily, Sabbath, Monthly Offerings, Passover Regulations, Festival of Weeks: Numbers 28
Festival of Trumpets, Day of Atonement, Festival of Tabernacles: Numbers 29
Vows in Marriage and Family Regulations: Numbers 30
Vengeance on the Midianites, Dividing the Spoils: Numbers 31
Israelites revenge against the Midianites (Numbers 25)
Reuben, Gad, Half-Tribe of Manasseh Takes Land East of Jordan River: Numbers 32
Reuben, Gad, and half-tribe of Manasseh prefer land east of the Jordan River
Stages in Israel's Exodus to Canaan: Numbers 33
Towns and stops along the route from Egypt to Canaan
Boundaries of Canaan: Numbers 34
The boundaries of Canaan that the Lord gave to the Israelites.
Towns for Levites, Cities of Refuge for Murders: Numbers 35
Inheritance for Zelophehad's Daughters (Descendants of Joseph): Numbers 36
After the new generation of Israelites travel through the Desert of Paran and approach the land in Canaan, lots are assigned and divided and based on the tribes of Israelites.
The distance travelled from Mount Sinai to the Jordan River on the border of Canaan was only about 220 miles, but this journey took 40 years because of the Israelites "grumbling" and lack of faith in God and Moses.
Only Moses, Joshua, and Caleb would make the journey from Egypt to the Jordan River as the only members of the first generation that did not pass away. Only Joshua and Caleb would enter the Promised Land in Canaan. Moses would not enter the Promised Land.
Significance of the Book of Numbers
There are so many lessons to learn from the Book of Numbers. These lessons include trusting in God when things don't seem to be going well. God had greater things in store for Israel including a better life in a better land if only they would trust God and Moses in the wilderness. Instead, Israel was postponed 40 years until they were allowed to enter the Promised Land in Canaan. Many people today are "In the Wilderness" and are not sure of where they are going. If only they would trust God, they will be blessed and reach their destination much faster. God also promised to give the Israelites their Promised Land, and despite their disobedience, God fulfilled his promise.
